Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-048
Kenneth "Ken" Rizzi served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana from October 1986 to December 1988 as a drought relief technical officer. He applied immediately after college and initially had an assignment in the Philippines, but after political unrest he was switched to Botswana. He had three days of special training in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where they subjected potential volunteers to a variety of difficult scenarios and stressful situations. In Botswana, he had three more months of primarily language training, and became proficient in Setswana. Rizzi was initially stationed in Kasane and later moved to Maun as his job expanded. He led a team that determined projects for villages and insured that the materials for the projects were delivered. He also ensured that food donations were distributed throughout the Ngamiland district. Rizzi's interview includes a description of his job and how honored and pleased he was to do it. He also discusses the positive impact it had on his work and family life after he left the Peace Corps. Interviewed and recorded by Candice Wiggum, November 18, 2018. 1 digital audio file.